NAD C 658 User Manual

NAD C 658 BLUOS STREAMING DAC

Introducing the NAD C 658

The NAD C 658 is a new kind of stereo component, one that at once changes
preconceptions and opens new possibilities for audio reproduction. You see, there has
never before been a component offering such a rich palette of both new and proven
technology. Bold statements? Read on.

REDEFINING THE ARCHITECTURE OF HI-FI PLAYBACK

As we move deeper into the 21st Century the way music is distributed and enjoyed
continues to evolve away from physical media to streaming. It also has moved away
from analogue to digital. The C 658 has incorporated these fundamental truths to create
an entirely new type of component that combines a network streamer, a state-of-the art
DAC, and many aspects of the traditional preamplifier into a single highly cost effective
package. And thanks to NAD’s exclusive Modular Design Construction, it will keep pace
with the latest technology, not yet introduced, but inevitably coming in the future. In fact,
an optional HDMI 4K switcher module is available now allowing the best sound from
any of the many HDMI sources available (like game consoles and video STBs). While the
C 658 immediately replaces (or adds) your streamer, DAC, and preamp, it also adds many
new features you may not be aware of, like a Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth transmitter to
use with your wireless headphones. The highly flexible outputs allow for a true balanced
connection to powered speakers or amplifiers. Single-ended connections for amplifiers and
subwoofers are also provided and include an adjustable subwoofer crossover executed
perfectly in the digital domain. A highly sophisticated MM phono input is also included
along with line inputs for legacy analogue components.

FEATURES & DETAILS

• BluOS Network Streaming with MQA Decoding

• ESS Sabre DAC

• Dirac Live Room Correction

• Gigabit Ethernet

• Dual Band Wi-Fi a/c/n

• 2-way Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth

• 2 x MDC Slots for Future Expansion

• MM Phono Input

• 2 x Line Inputs

• 2 x Optical Inputs

• 2 x Coax Inputs

• Balanced Preamp Output

• Preamp Output

• Stereo Subwoofer Output

• High Current Headphone Out

• USB socket for adding optional wireless output

module

• IR In with Learning Function

• Trigger Out/In

BluOS ENABLED

MAKE THE SPEAKERS DISAPPEAR (IT’S NOT MAGIC)

Also on board is BluOS, the most sophisticated High Res streaming
system available. BluOS natively supports over 15 streaming music
services and indexing of over 250,000 tracks from local network sources.
The C 658 becomes a node in the BluOS ecosystem allowing high res
network streaming to 64 zones and control options for iOS, Android,
Windows, and Mac OS phones, tablets, and desk top devices. BluOS also
supports all major smart home controllers and is available in a wide range
of products making it easy to create a whole house audio system with the
C 658 at its heart.

HIGH RESOLUTION IN EVERY DETAIL

Most NAD components have been High Res for 45 years with very
wide bandwidth, low distortion, and ultra-low noise. We just never
had High Res source material to play. With High Res digital recording
and streaming, combined with advanced technology like MQA, record
companies are opening their vaults and releasing Studio Master Quality
recordings. MQA decoding is available through BluOS Streaming content.
The C 658 is pure High Res from input to output and features the ESS
Sabre 32bit DAC , one of the best performing DACs on the market today
with its 118dB Dynamic Range and incredibly low jitter spec. All preamp
functions are executed in the digital domain including the same wide
range non-truncating digital volume control used in our Masters Series
components. This offers an incredibly short analog signal path that,
rather uniquely, is identical for all volume settings. Sophisticated active
power supplies provide super clean voltages to all circuits to keep noise
and distortion at the edge of measurability.

The C 658 is also the first NAD stereo component to feature Dirac
Live room correction, the most sophisticated and effective room
correction available. Dirac corrects the impulse response of your
speakers, in addition to the frequency response of your room,
for a truly transparent window into the musical performance.
When the room resonances are tamed and the transient response
is corrected, the result is magical. You have never heard your
speakers sound this invisible or this good!

TRADITIONAL NAD PERFORMANCE AND VALUE

The C 658 is part of our Classic Series of components which have
an enviable reputation for giving Music Lovers more enjoyment
for less money. If you want a solid block of hand–crafted
aluminum with gold plated accents you’ll need to look elsewhere.
If you want state-of-the-art performance and features in a sturdy
no-nonsense package then you have the right address.